CD quality audio is 16 bit. This means that each sample of audio is represented by a 16-bit number, which can represent 65,536 different values. The audio is sampled 44,100 times per second, which is high enough to capture all of the frequencies that humans can hear.
24 bit audio is a higher resolution audio format that can represent up to 16,777,216 different values for each sample. This is more than enough to capture the dynamic range (the difference between the loudest and softest sounds) of human hearing.
24 bit audio is often used for professional audio recording and mixing, but it is also becoming more common for consumer audio products. For example, some streaming services, such as Apple Music and Tidal, offer lossless audio streaming at 24 bits.
Is there a difference between CD quality and 24 bit audio?
Yes, there can be a difference between CD quality and 24 bit audio, but it is important to note that not everyone will be able to hear the difference. 24 bit audio has a wider dynamic range and a higher signal-to-noise ratio than CD quality audio, which means that it can capture a wider range of frequencies and is less likely to be corrupted by noise.
However, the human ear has a limited dynamic range and signal-to-noise ratio. For most people, CD quality audio is perfectly adequate for listening to music. However, if you have a high-end audio system or if you are particularly sensitive to sound quality, then you may notice an improvement with 24 bit audio.
When to use 24 bit audio
24 bit audio is a good choice for professional audio recording and mixing. It is also a good choice for people who have high-end audio equipment and are looking for the best possible sound quality.
Here are some specific examples of when you might want to use 24 bit audio:
- Recording music for a professional release
- Mixing audio for a film or television show
- Archiving audio files for future use
- Listening to music on a high-end audio system
Whether or not you need to use 24 bit audio depends on your needs and budget. If you are just listening to music for fun or for the average consumer, then CD quality audio is perfectly adequate. However, if you are serious about audio recording or mixing, or if you have high-end audio equipment, then 24 bit audio is a good choice.
